Regina & Jon’s Wedding

Jon works for Puma Running division, and Regina works for a hotel downtown.  That specific weekend, Jon was working a Puma running booth for the Road Runners of America conference at the Embassy, and Regina happened to be working (she only works one weekend every quarter).  When he set up shop at the hotel, he noticed "a dark-haired beauty carrying four cups of coffee in a Starbucks coffee tray. Looking back I would bet that one of the cups contained a grande non-fat vanilla latte with a Splenda and a straw."  The event was SLOW.  And after a few days, he realized that "dark haired beauty" was the manager on duty.  

"My goal was to see that smile as much as possible over the weekend. She would periodically walk around the hotel to make sure that everything was in order. Me being me, I would crack jokes and show her my favorite videos of jumping lizards, sports mascot bloopers, and TV clips."

Luckily, Regina had a good sense of humor.  She laughed.

The two spoke a lot during the last portion of the conference and they exchanged "business cards".  Jon wrote her the following day, and asked her out on a date … in a month.  To the Cub's home opener.  But really, who can wait a month?  So, the "first date" actually was the fifth.  But exciting, nonetheless.

If it is possible for any client to save me, Regina & John did.  It was an odd situation.

May 27th, 2009.  I got an email from Regina who was referred by Tony at Life on Prints (a consistent and fantastic shooter, so click that link) inquiring about my wedding services at the beautiful Fairmont.  My response was, "As for right now, the date is still open.  But not sure for how long?  A client booked the date, but keeps promising they will send the contract back. Because they have missed the 10-day grace period, I have re-opened the date in the meantime."

She mentioned she was VERY interested and wanted to know if I could hold it for the 10 days as a curtsey hold?  Normally, I never do that unless I have met with the client, and they are booking my services.  However, I wanted the date closed, even if for 10 days.    

A little history.  The client who originally booked the date mentioned she REALLY loved my work.  

But.

She was curious if the out-of-focus backdrops were intentional, an artistic choice or something I could not do at her wedding?  She liked foreground, middle and background all in focus.  As you can see from the many images on my web site, I am a huge fan of focusing the viewers attention exactly where I want it.  Control issues?  Sure.  Crisp in focus people, blurry bokeh in the back and foreground.  I like that.  A lot. And many clients, while not terribly articulate about their response to visual imagery have noticed this in my style, and come to me because of this technique.  It is like breathing.  A default, if you will.  

At first, I turned the client down citing that asking me to shoot a specific way would make me so nervous.  What did she like about my pictures?  But it was the beginning of The Recession, so I broke down and said yes.  However, weeks passed, and she missed the deadline to return the contract.  And then Regina requested that date.

Reprieve!  

There must be a God in heaven.  

And they booked.

Whew.

So, Regina & Jon, this posting is for you.  When I say thank you for hiring me, I really mean it.  I had a blast shooting your event, and appreciate you hiring me for my artistic vision and allowing me to be creative without restrictions.

Regina & Jon's wedding

October 17, 2009
Ceremony: Fairmont Hotel; Chicago, IL
Reception: Fairmont Hotel; Chicago, IL

Ceremony: Crystal Ballroom at the Fairmont Chicago
Reception: Moulin Rouge Ballroom at the Fairmont Chicago
Caterer:  Fairmont Chicago
Music: Cage and Aquarium Productions for ceremony & cocktails (Taras and Mike) and DJ service during reception
Flowers: Randolph Flowers
Makeup: Mario Tricoci at 900 N Michigan Avenue- Stylist was Eden
Hair:  Mario Tricoci at 900 N Michigan Avenue- Stylist was Greta
Officiant: Michael Williams (personal friend)
Deserts: Red velvet cupcake and chocolate, banana, & caramel cupcake
Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas
Program and menus: Wedding Paper Divas
Dress & Designer:  Tara Keely dress and Lazaro crystal belt purchased at Boutique Victoria @ 924 W Madison Street Chicago, IL. Alterations by Ms. Couture @ 1739 N Clybourn Avenue Chicago, IL
Your Shoes: Rhinestone heels by Nina. 
Suit: Mens Wearhouse
Shirt & Tie: Mens Wearhouse